Program Overview

If you’re interested in sports, learning about the human body, and studying injuries, and if you want a hands-on, exciting career in a growing field, Immaculata encourages you to look into its Athletic Training major.

Combining scientific inquiry, theoretical knowledge, and clinical practice, Immaculata’s Athletic Training major trains students in evidence-based practices to prevent, diagnose, and treat neuromuscular conditions in physically active individuals. Grounded in the mission of Immaculata University, students will receive an education rooted in Christian core values, academic rigor, and ethical integrity.

You will begin your freshman year in the pre-professional phase of the Athletic Training program, taking courses in anatomy and physiology as well as a foundational athletic training course. Upon successfully completing the pre-professional phase, you may apply for admission to the professional phase of the program.

In the professional phase, you will take courses in kinesiology, exercise assessment and programming, extremity evaluation, therapeutic rehabilitation, and athletic training administration and research. You will work closely with faculty and preceptors as you complete a capstone research project and five clinical rotations.

Clinical Education Experiences:

You will complete five clinical education experiences, totaling at least 800 hours, in local high schools, colleges, and medical facilities. Prior to starting a clinical experience, you will be required to get a child abuse clearance, a Pennsylvania State Police criminal background check, and drug screening.

You should be aware that these items have associated fees. You will also need to pay fees for liability insurance, professional organization membership, appropriate athletic training attire, and travel to clinical education sites.

Career Potential

Demand for athletic trainers is expected to increase significantly over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, due to athletic trainers’ role in preventing injuries and reducing health care costs. Athletic trainers are also in demand because their skills can be employed in a variety of contexts:

Accreditation

Admission Requirements

To enter the professional phase of the Athletic Training Program, you must complete a formal application process. Applications will be reviewed at the end of each semester. All applicants (freshmen, transfers, and upperclassmen) must have:

Completed a minimum of 30 college credits

Earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 or above

Achieved a “C” or better in the following courses:

BIOL 209 Human Anatomy and Physiology I

BIOL 210 Human Anatomy and Physiology II

ATEP 201 Foundations in Athletic Training

Application Materials

As part of the application process, you must submit the following items to the Athletic Training Program Director.

Athletic Training Program Application (available from the Program Director or online)

Recommendation Forms filled out by two of the following individuals:

High school or college faculty member

High school or college athletic director or coach

Certified Athletic Trainer

Supervisor of a previous volunteer experience in the health care field

Personal essay answering the question “Why do you want to enter the field of athletic training?”

Copy of current physical examination and immunization records*

Copy of current certification in standard first aid and in CPR/AED for health care providers*

A record showing that you have completed annual blood-borne pathogen training*

* Once you enroll in the program, you will need to undergo annual blood-borne pathogen training and annual certification in standard first aid and CPR/AED. Receiving this training may require you to pay additional fees, which are not covered by the cost of tuition and course-related fees.

Interview

If you meet the eligibility requirements and submit the required application materials, you will complete an interview process. Admission to the professional phase of the Athletic Training Program will be based on your academic qualifications, your application materials, and your interview.

Program Completion Requirements

To remain in the program, you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 and achieve a C or better in all coursework required by the athletic training major (all athletic training courses, BIOL 209/210; EXS 201, 302, 303, 304, 305; FNU 208, 317; and PSY 101, 208, 357).